So he picks up his phone to call his girlfriend and asks her to call the airline.....why didn't he just call the airline first?

He couldn't remember the number.. he might be using a dumb phone... which is why he knows his gf's number in his mind or on his speed dial. I am not sure if the phone number is mentioned on the ticket if he has it with him or on his bags.

So he picks up his phone to call his girlfriend and asks her to call the airline.....why didn't he just call the airline first?

Have you ever tried to call them... I mean the hold times can be more than 20 min and probably his phone was not on full charge.. it actually makes sense though... she probably was worried because he probably should have already been home already.